Day: August 12, 2024

Kids eat free this Fringe at city centre restaurants

Families in Edinburgh need look no further than the city’s George Street for a fantastic family day out that won’t break the bank.

With the Fringe festival in full swing, George Street plays host to multiple venues and food vendors which can quickly add up during this busy but expensive time of year in the city.

Popular city centre restaurants, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse and Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh have both recently launched family friendly deals with ‘kids eat free’ options at both venues.

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse Edinburgh

Families in Edinburgh can immerse themselves in the true essence of Brazilian Churrasco dining, as they experience everything Rio Brazilian Steakhouse has to offer. Expert Gaucho chefs skilfully carve a selection of non-stop meats, served right to the table, offering an unforgettable dining experience in the iconic Assembly Rooms restaurant.

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse is the ultimate family friendly restaurant, guaranteed to suit even the fussiest of eaters. Kids under eight eat free every day at Rio Edinburgh, with a fantastic selection of delicious meats, unlimited salad bar and sides available.

The restaurant has also recently introduced a new discounted price for kids aged 8-12, at just £14.95 per child.

To find out more about Rio Brazilian Steakhouse and to book your table, please visit: www.rio-steakhouse.co.uk/edinburgh

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

This August, families can make the most of the festival fun and enjoy a kid’s breakfast for free at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, situated just a stone’s throw from the popular Assembly Rooms venue. Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh offers a menu of classic American flavours and street food bites in a fun and vibrant setting in the heart of the city.

Lil’ rockers can choose between Pancakes with hot fudge chocolate sauce, banana and fresh berries or a Kid’s Full Breakfast.

Available until Saturday 31st August, from 9am to 11am, t&c’s apply.*

To find out more about Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh and to book your table, please visit: https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/

*Receive one complimentary kids’ breakfast menu item with the purchase of each adult breakfast entree; limit one per child. 

Offer valid from Saturday 10th August to Saturday 31st August from 9am to 11am. Available for children aged 10 years and under. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Dine-in only. 

Disabled teacher leads inclusivity course for educators

Educational practitioners and  students have the chance to develop their diversity and inclusion skills with a new short course developed by Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh.

The online course Disability Confidence for Educational Practitioners will provide educators with the knowledge and confidence to effectively and sensitively discuss disability with their pupils. Participants will also develop a better understanding of how to create an inclusive environment which best supports their young learners.

The new short course is run by QMU lecturers and chartered psychologists, Drs. Siân Jones and Clare Uytman. Both have practical experience of working in inclusive education in both academia and in the classroom, and have also recently launched their own website, Toy Box Diversity Lab, a selection of free resources which aim to help practitioners enhance disability literacy.

Senior Lecturer in the Division of Psychology, Sociology and Education at QMU, Dr Siân Jones, has hemiplegia, a type of cerebral palsy, which means she is disabled.

Siân acknowledges that much has been done in schools to represent ethnicity in recent years, but she wants to support teachers to demonstrate diversity of disability in the classroom.

She said: “Growing up, there were no toys in the toybox or the shops that looked like me. If there isn’t an opportunity to play with disabled characters, or children don’t come across disabled people doing everyday things in books and films, we’re losing an opportunity to broaden the next generation’s understanding of the world and the people in it.

“Despite efforts to foster inclusion in mainstream settings, there is persistent negativity in interactions between some non-disabled children and their disabled peers. Given the significant implications of this, we have looked for ways to foster meaningful and positive interventions to reduce ableism and discrimination towards disabled children.

“When disability is portrayed more prominently, particularly in the classroom, our research shows only positive outcomes in children’s wellbeing and acceptance.”

Siân continued: “I think that disability literacy is such an important facet of teaching, and maybe one day, could even be a necessary requirement given its emphasis in the Scottish education curriculum.

“Our new professional development course will be the perfect accompaniment for those in teaching roles, helping to foster positive environments for disabled learners across the country.”

The Disability Confidence for Educational Practitioners course is entirely online and fully flexible, so participants can complete the course in their own time and at their own pace. It runs from September 2024 for six weeks and costs £150 per person. Applications must be submitted by 22nd September.

Joint Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Psychology and Senior Lecturer at QMU, Dr. Clare Uytman, said: “Positive understanding, representation and discussion around disability is so important for achieving a more inclusive learning environment, which will help children understand the importance of these topics from an early age.

“We hope that by the end of this course, participants will be able to engage effectively with students, parents, and colleagues about disability in an empathetic manner, understand the importance of disability positive learning environments that represent diverse abilities, and be able to confidently create and monitor the effectiveness of representative teaching materials.

“It is so rewarding to see years of hard work and thorough research come together with the creation of this highly beneficial course, which we hope will be of real value to the teaching profession.”

Get more course information at Disability Confidence for Educational Practitioners and start building your skills and experience.

View Dr. Clare Uytman and Dr. Sian Jones’ website of free resources, Toy Box Diversity Lab.

Have your say on Firework Control Zones

CONSULTATION CLOSES 23rd AUGUST

Edinburgh residents are being asked for their views on Firework Control Zones.

The introduction of a Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off in these areas, and a Citywide Firework Control Zone will mean that certain fireworks will no longer be permitted to be set off anywhere in the capital.

These Firework Control Zones will not impact organised displays, such as Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Christmas or Hogmanay.

Consultation is currently underway for the following locations:

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. 

“However, we all remember the shocking scenes we saw in some areas of the capital last year with emergency services being attacked, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent similar occurrences this November.

“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to share their position on the use of fireworks, and I encourage everyone to take some time to have their say before the consultation closes.”

Further information on Firework Control Zones is available on the council website. The consultation closes on Friday 23 August 2024.

Tonight at Edinburgh International Book Festival: Stories and Scran

Enjoy tasty food and brilliant performances from local people. Returning for its fifth year, Stories and Scran celebrates dynamic, thought-provoking work created by our Citizen participants.

Expect diverse and creative talent from Project Esperanza’s Women’s Group, WHALE Arts, the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group, and Citizen Collective.

And Scran Academy are back to serve up delicious, sweet treats you can enjoy during the event.

Stories and Scran runs from 8 – 9.15pm at the Book Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place.

Supported by Jenny Colgan Books

GMB suspends bin strikes to ballot council workers on new pay offer

Industrial action looming across Scotland paused as members vote

GMB Scotland today suspended looming industrial action in Scotland’s local authorities after receiving a revised pay offer.

The union, one of the biggest in Scotland’s local authorities, paused eight days of strikes in waste and cleansing, due to start on Wednesday, to allow members to vote on the new terms.

GMB Scotland’s local government committee met this morning to discuss the offer from Cosla, representing Scots councils, involving a 3.6% increase for all grades with a rise of £1,292 for the lowest paid, equivalent to 5.6%.

Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, said: “This offer is a significant improvement on what came before but our members will decide if it is acceptable.

“It is better than that offered to council staff in England and Wales, would mean every worker receives a rise higher than the Retail Price Index and, importantly, is weighted to ensure frontline workers gain most.

“As a gesture of goodwill, we will suspend action until our members can vote on the offer.

“It should never have got to this stage, however, and Scotland’s council leaders have again shown an absolute lack of urgency or sense of realism.

“For months, we have been forced to waste time discussing a series of low-ball offers when it was already clear the Scottish Government needed to be at the table.

“The obvious reluctance of some council leaders to approach ministers has only caused needless uncertainty and threatened disruption.

“That is no way to run a railroad or conduct serious pay negotiations.”

UNITE has also called off imminent strike action and UNISON are expected to announce their position later this afternoon.

GMB and BRINDEX warn government: Don’t ignore voices of oil and gas workers

GMB and members of the Association of British Independent Exploration companies (BRINDEX) today (Monday 12 August) warned the UK government not to ignore the voices of the UK’s oil and gas workers – and urged Ministers to engage the sector in meaningful discussions.

GMB and BRINDEX agreed a Memorandum of Understanding last November, committing to “represent workers’ voice and employer concerns to better engage policy makers” and to “make the case for pro-jobs policies and strengthening energy security.”

Meetings between union and industry representatives in July discussed how to further develop the better cooperation outlined in the MOU.

Today’s warning follows government proposals for the sector’s fiscal regime in the Autumn Budget and uncertainty about future licencing, provoking widespread concern across North Sea operations about a cliff-edge threat for investment, jobs and skills, and vital carbon capture development.

GMB visited the Armada Kraken offshore production facility in May, representing a step forward for better cooperation between the sector’s oil and gas independents and the UK’s energy union.

Further visits are planned this summer to infrastructure owned by some of the UK’s leading North Sea producers, including Serica Energy, EnQuest, and others.

Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said: “GMB is a proud and unambiguous energy union, and we want the voices of our offshore workers to be heard loud and clear in the corridors of power over the decisions affecting their livelihoods.

“The government is rightly focused on a growth agenda after years of instability and industrial decline, and the transition presents a huge opportunity to unleash investment for jobs, infrastructure, and security.

“But that means creating the right conditions to turn that ambition into reality, and better cooperation between unions, industry, and government is fundamental to this because ‘business as usual’ won’t work.”

Robin Allan, Chairman of BRINDEX, said: “Hard working families sustained by the oil and gas sector across the UK’s nations and regions deserve to be treated with respect from government – and so do our independent operators who support these livelihoods.

“Our ongoing engagement with GMB through these latest offshore visits recognises that if the transition is going to be a success, then change must be done with the people doing so much to keep the lights on, homes warm, and industry running – not to them.

“That’s why we are urging the government to work with us and engage in meaningful discussions with the very people on whom they depend to help accelerate the UK’s industrial transition, growth, and energy security agendas.” 

NHS 24 healthy lifestyle: 12 Week Weight Management Programme

If you’re looking to make positive changes and achieve a healthier lifestyle this summer, this comprehensive programme is designed just for you.

With expert guidance, personalised tips, and practical resources, you’ll be on the path to success in no time! 🌟🌼

Whether you want to boost your energy levels, improve fitness, or maintain a healthy weight, this programme offers the support you need. 🌟🌼

Ready to get started?

Visit – https://nhs24.info/12-week-weight-management

Get ready for an exhilarating ride as theSpaceUK welcomes Fringe Week 2!

With over 100 BRAND NEW exciting shows, there’s no shortage of new experiences. The stage is set for an incredible lineup, and this is your chance to catch some truly remarkable performances

As Week 2 unfolds at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an array of talented artists at theSpaceUK are just embarking on their Fringe journey.

From rollicking cabarets to queer icons, mice stories to folk-rock renditions of Queen Mary’s life, and even a (almost) comeback from Gilbert and Sullivan. With over one hundred new shows gracing the stages this week, seize the opportunity to take a chance and discover something that will entice, excite, and thoroughly entertain you at theSpaceUK.

Here’s a small taste of the new shows that you can catch in Week 2 at theSpaceUK: 

3.. 2.. 1… Spell! 
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (theSpace @ Niddry St, 12-24)
This musical tellsthe story of six middle-schoolers growing up and of the relationships they form. With audience participation and improv elements, it is a heartwarming and hilarious tale of childhood motivations, friendship, making yourself proud and juiceboxes!

Dark Web Shenanigans
Ctrl+Alt+Deceit! (theSpace @ Niddry St, 12-24)
The story follows trusting, lonely and technologically naïve Aunt June, desperate to connect with her niece Andy, who suggests that June fill her time instead by finding friendships online. Matters take a strange turn when June unwittingly finds herself on the Dark Web. 

Shaking Up Shakespeare
Sonnets from Suburbia (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 12-24)
In Sonnets From Suburbia, Lady Penelope AKA actress Penny Peyser shakes up Shakespeare with her own quirky take on modern life through her wry, beautifully crafted sonnets, while stubbornly clinging to the world’s longest COVID quarantine. An infectious hour of theatre: in the best sense of infectious!

He’s in the best-selling show
Is There Work on Mars? (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 12-24)
Can someone with ADHD and dyscalculia pass Elon Musk’s Mars immigration test? Set in a dystopian future of space colonisation, Is There Work on Mars? rants about many things: ableist education systems, living in the diaspora and ridiculous immigration requirements. 

Feels Good To Be Bad
Good Boy (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 12-24)
Boy is in love with his first boyfriend. But, after discovering a devastating secret, their relationship crumbles and Boy’s world shatters. Good Boy is a shockingly funny debut play about trauma, the social politics of hook-up apps, and suicidal rabbits. And unbelievably… it’s all true.

It’s A Tough Gig
Tales from a British Country Pub (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 12-24)
Join comedy musician Chris Sainton-Clark as he takes you through his troublesome and hilarious experiences of working in British pubs.

Hear stories of compulsive liars, disruptive youths, fruit machine addicts and much more. Armed with just a guitar, Tales from a British Country Pub is sure to keep you entertained.

Lights. Camera. Delusion! 
Nina Rose Carlin: Seeking Representation (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 12-24)
Comedian Nina Rose Carlin turns her years of experience in the entertainment industry (derogatory) into a rollicking cabaret with stand-up, clown and musical comedy.

Get an inside scoop of pop culture and Hollywood through her witty and absurdist lens, inspired by her time hosting red carpets, assisting A-List celebs and seeking stardom.

Crazy In Love
A Brief Case of Crazy (theSpace @ Symposium, 12-24)
Thomas is a remarkable, unconventional introvert – fiddling and fumbling his way through a 9 to 5 job, occasionally looking up to admire his wide-eyed and equally shy colleague, Daisy. Buckle up for a heartwarming and moving story, told through physical comedy, dance numbers and ludicrous characters.


Now… that’s all I can remember
If I live until I be a man (theSpace on the Mile, 12-24)
1483: The young princes Edward and Richard are taken to the Tower of London by their uncle Richard in preparation for Edward’s coronation. By the end of the summer, Richard III is crowned and the boys are never seen again. A comedic, playfully anachronistic, unsettling exploration of childhood during perpetual war.

Joint statement on the Middle East: 12th August 2024

Joint Statement from the Leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on the Middle East:

We, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, welcome the tireless work of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

We endorse the joint statement of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, President Sisi and President Biden calling for the immediate resumption of negotiations. We agree that there can be no further delay.

We have been working with all parties to prevent escalation and will spare no effort to reduce tensions and find a path to stability. The fighting must end now, and all hostages still detained by Hamas must be released. The people of Gaza need urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid.

We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region, and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability. In this context, and in particular, we call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the opportunity to agree a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

They will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.

President Emmanuel Macron of France

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom

First Minister congratulates Scots Olympians

Athletes commended for their performances

Ahead of the closing ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games, First Minister John Swinney has commended the Scottish athletes who will have inspired the next generation with their efforts in Paris.

Scottish competitors taking part individually or in team events secured three gold medals, four silver medals and six bronze medals, contributing to TeamGB’s overall medals tally of 65 medals and highlighting, once again, the world class athletes that Scotland has across a number of disciplines.  

In either individual or team events, Duncan Scott, Scott Brash and Sholto Carnegie all won gold.

In either individual or team events, Duncan Scott, Jack Carlin, Josh Kerr and Neah Evans all won silver.

And Beth Potter (two), Rowan McKellar, Nicole Yeargin (two) and Jack Carlin all won bronze.

Several Scots achieved Scottish and British records in their events, including British Records for Josh Kerr in the men’s 1500 metres, Jack Carlin’s silver in the men’s cycling team sprint and a new Scottish record for Keanna MacInnes in her opening heat of the women’s 100 metres butterfly.

Laura Muir also broke her personal best in the 1500 meters final on Friday.

Almost two thirds of the Scottish athletes selected for Team GB are female athletes, including Eilish McColgan who became the first Scottish four-time track and field Olympian. The visibility of such strong role models will inspire young women and girls across the country to participate in sport.

The First Minister said: “Competing on the world stage amongst some of the best sporting talent on the planet is a tremendous honour, and I know the whole nation is with me in congratulating our Scottish athletes who have made an enormous contribution to Team GB’s success at these Games.

“These athletes have all been outstanding in their performances and as ambassadors for their sport, and will inspire many young people to become more active in their lives.

“These games have seen amazing achievements, including Duncan Scott becoming Scotland’s most decorated Olympian, and will be remembered for being the final curtain on the remarkable career of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsman, Andy Murray.

“All of our athletes have excelled themselves and done themselves and their country proud. I hope they are able to celebrate with their friends, family and the public in the coming days.”

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “Scottish athletes have once again delivered on the biggest stage.

“There have been consistently strong performances from Scottish athletes at the highest level for a number of years now across a range of sports, demonstrating that Scotland’s approach to developing a pathway to performance sport is paying off.

“That success is down to years of hard work and commitment from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport.

“Ensuring Scotland’s athletes are ready to compete with the best is a real team effort and we are proud to play our part in that.”